Land Rover

Land Rover invented the luxury SUV when it started importing the Range Rover to the U.S. in the 1980s. Before that, rugged and capable Land Rovers were going where no vehicles had gone before, from the desert to the Arctic. Despite its off-road prowess, the brand gained notoriety for building SUVs that frequently broke down and were expensive to repair. Even today, the brand retains its reputation, as Consumer Reports’ reliability and maintenance cost data confirm. This makes long-term ownership costly and used Land Rovers risky purchases. Still, the Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport offer comfortable interiors, powerful engines, and a presence that makes them popular choices for Hollywood stars and British aristocrats alike. The Defender has matured into a luxe off-roader, losing some 20th-century charm but gaining creature comforts. The brand is now part of Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by Tata, a conglomerate based in India.